Healthcare providers can make small adjustments to their practice to reduce their carbon footprint, reported the AMA April 19.
Research has shown that climate change has direct consequences on health and will increase burden on the healthcare system. As an industry, healthcare is a big emitter of greenhouse gasses in the U.S., contributing almost one tenth of the country's emissions.
Here are four ways providers can reduce their carbon footprint:
- At the end of each day, make sure all lights, computers and electronics are turned off. Make this a rule for all members of the team.
- Reset thermostats at the end of each day in line with guidelines.
- Replace all lightbulbs with LED bulbs which last much longer and use 75 percent less energy.
- Be sure to buy products in bulk and recycle them once they have been used. Switching to EHRs and double-sided printing can also help save paper.